1st time taking ACT tips

<p>I'm going to take the ACT tomorrow. I'm doing a practice test right now. I have only studied for the SATs. Are there any tips? For example, in the writing section, should I read the corresponding sentence for the passage or read the question first and can I skip sentences that don't have an underlined phrase? Anything that could help me with the test including time management.</p>

<p>TIME YOURSELF on the practice tests. Seriously. The ACT is a pretty easy test, but your enemy is the clock. There isn’t much time for the sections, so time yourself and see what sections you need to move faster on.</p>

<p>For Writing - I’d suggest reading all of it so you don’t mix up the tense or something silly.</p>

<p>For Math - Make sure you check your answer. The ACT is crafty and they often put answer choices to the most commonly incorrect methods of solving problems. </p>

<p>For Reading - PACE YOURSELF. Don’t get caught up in one passage!</p>

<p>For Science - Again, pace yourself. All the questions are worth the same and there is NO guessing penalty on this test.</p>

<p>I’m taking it for the first time too (Also my last, I’m a senior) and I’m hoping for a 32-34 :s GL!</p>

<p>^ nailed it. Just remember to do the testing basics (sleep,meal, reducing stress) and DON’T PANIC. It’s just a test–a stack of papers is not and will not determine your life. Other than that, good luck dude! Also, if I’m reading your name right, stay off the crack before the test, and in general actually. Haha</p>

<p>Should I skip reading the science passages and go straight to the question?</p>

<p>Unfortunately since you haven’t tried a practice test, or at least I’m not aware whether you have, it’s going to be trial by fire. Everyone’s different. For instance, I just read the questions and went to the graphs. I got lucky because the arguing scientists was about genetics, so I didn’t even read it. This strategy got me a 31 in science (3 wrong) so I guess it really does depend on the person. You could skim quickly or just skip entirely, it’s all dependent on you. I wish I could help more, but that’s the reality.</p>

<p>Is there a huge difference in difficulty compared to the free full practice test on ACT’s website here:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf[/url]”>http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>compared to the actual test?</p>

<p>I agree with Gamer.</p>

<p>My kid, the first time he took the exam, had time problems. </p>

<p>Don’t get bogged down on any one problem.</p>

<p>My son got a 31 the first time.</p>

<p>A 34 the second time, with zero additional study.</p>

<p>The second time you take the exam, mere familiarity with the exam will help you.</p>